Mount Wachusett hires paramedic program head

Courtesy Peter Laitinen, a local nurse and paramedic, was hired by Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner to run the college's new Paramedic Technology Certificate program.

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By Emily Micucci

Mount Wachusetts Community College in Gardner has hired Peter Laitinen to oversee its new Paramedic Technology Certificate program after a years-long search, according to a statement issued Tuesday.

Laitinen is a regsitered nurse at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, and previously worked as a paramedic for Gardner-based Wood’s Ambulance service from 1985 to 2013, according to Mount Wachusett. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Curry College and a Certificate in Paramedic Technology from Northeastern University. Laitinen served as the paramedic program assistant director and clinical coordinator at Northeastern University for five years.

Margaret Jaillet, assistant dean for Mount Wachusett’s School of Health Professions, Public Service Programs and Social Sciences said it took several years of searching to find Laitinen. Candidates had to be national registered paramedics with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.

“Peter rose to the top because he has local connections, as well as state and national connections,” said Jaillet. “He can speak to the needs of the local community.”

The Mount Wachusett Paramedic Technology program is expected to be approved by the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services this fall.